From a private philanthropic standpoint, the Kzoo Promise is hands down the better option. Let's not forget that corporations and capitalistic inviduals caused the Kzoo Promise to happen. When Granholm tried to implement a similar principle with public funds, it crashed and burned (because it was run by politicians who run credit card debt and cannot even balance their own check books). If you run credit card debt, you are basically a financial fool.

I think he made the right decision. It would have been more money, but you have balance that against what a pain in the azz it is to coach in the pros. He's a legend at MSU already and makes a very good living. Money is money but at some point enough is enough and one has to consider happiness. I chalk this up as similar to Bobby Knight telling the pros to go f themselves (literally).

I took my son (6 yrs) to a Tigers game in 2007 and had much the same experience. I parked in a private, fenced in lot about3-4 blocks from the stadium, and asked the parking attendant if we would be able to leave early if my son got tired. At 10p, he did get tired and we tried to leave, but they had parked cars in the exit drive. I don't know if the people parked in the exit drive went to bars or what, but it wasn't until 12:30 that we could get out. I have not been back to Detroit since. In fact, I try not to go east of Ypsi if I can avoid it.

Have some faith - our system of government is designed to work these issues out - it just takes time. Your general point is equally applicable to both the extreme right and left. Fortunately, I would put the extremists more at 5% on each end. It seems there is more of them because they make a lot of noise, but it's the middle 90% that really matters. Those on the fringes either involve designed entertainment or blissful ignorance, or some combination thereof. It will all be okay my friend.

The republicans are gloating when the defeat really doesn't show favor for republican ideas - it's more a referendum on liberal ones, and supports that most Americans want a more conservative approach.

But to downplay the significance of this defeat is no different than Pelosi & Co. downplaying the anger shown by Americans at the town hall meetings, and labeling them "astro-turf" and not "grass roots." Pelosi: 'Woops, I missed that one by a mile!' Grasping reality is her biggest character flaw.

After Massachusetts, all the politicians say they "get it" - but they really don't. And the liberals are saying 'we get it, we get it' ... we need to focus on job growth, but the government cannot create jobs. Americans are tired of reading about the federal government and it's vast efforts and influence everyday. All that happens is the federal government manipulates the "free" market and then repeatedly tries to correct the problems that its manipulation has caused to no end. Stop manipulating things, and let the markets truly be "free." Our governments should just focus on roles contemplated by our founders, and stay the he11 out of the private sector except to the extent contemplated by the founders.

After Massachusetts, all the politicians say they "get it" - but they really don't. The repubs are gloating when the defeat really doesn't show favor for conservative ideas - it's more a referendum on liberal ones. And the dems say 'we get it, we get it' ... we need to focus on job growth, but the government cannot create jobs. Americans are tired of reading about the federal government and it's vast efforts and influence everyday. All that happens is the federal government manipulates the "free" market and then repeatedly tries to correct the problems that its manipulation has caused to no end. Stop manipulating things, and let the markets truly be "free." Our governments should just focus on roles contemplated by our founders, and stay the he11 out of the private sector except to the extent contemplated by the founders.

Blame should be placed squarely on the JUDGE. This guy is making a mockery of our legal system, and the JUDGE is letting it happen. The whole thing about setting another hearing for probation violations is a cop out. The judge had the discretion to address the matter and chose not to because he's lazy, probably because he wanted to leave early...these dead beat judges cost taxpayers an amazing amount of money. They are about as efficient and effective as mammories on a male.

Detroit is an example of what happens when there is no political balance between the right and left, and the left takes over. It would be just as awful if the right had taken over, but it would look different - everyone working their tails off for minimum wage to make money for the owners of land and business. Detroit is an example of why political balance and cooperation is essential.